The University of Southampton Library and Archives are proud to be supporting this year’s British Science Festival with a programme of exhibitions, workshops and interactive activities that invite visitors to explore the connections between science, creativity, history and technology.

Taking place across Hartley Library during September, the programme offers opportunities for festival visitors, students, staff and members of the public to engage with science in a variety of inspiring and unexpected ways.

Visitors can explore Sea, Sky, Earth, a free exhibition in the Level 4 Gallery, which opened on 17 August and runs to 1 November. Curated collaboratively by colleagues from Winchester School of Art and the Library, together with MA Contemporary Curating students, the exhibition brings together artworks from the University Art Collection alongside new creative responses by Fine Art students and staff from Winchester School of Art. A specially selected display of Artists’ Books from the Winchester School of Art Library adds further perspectives on storytelling, creativity and our relationship with the natural world.

Archives and Special Collections will also present Earth, Sea and Sky, an exhibition showcasing original archive material connected to exploration, observation and discovery from 11 September. Through fascinating stories of “citizen scientists”, including an individual whose observations helped shape Charles Darwin’s thinking, visitors can discover how ordinary people have contributed to scientific understanding over time. The exhibition also features a fact-finding treasure hunt, offering a fun way to engage with the collections while putting detective skills to the test. Those who identify the facts scattered throughout the exhibition can win the “treasure” of a specially commissioned Archives and Special Collections sticker.

For those who enjoy a challenge, the Special Collections team will also be running Charting the Way: Finding Library Historical Treasures. Inspired by the charts and plans featured in the exhibitions, participants will learn to create their own chart using historical furnishings, portraits, plaques and architectural features throughout Hartley Library. Using compasses and landmarks to navigate the building, participants will uncover hidden features, solve clues and discover surprising stories from Hartley Library’s history. Everyone completing the chart can claim a Special Collections sticker.

Creativity takes centre stage in Draw like a Scientist, Write like a Poet, Make a Zine, a hands-on workshop exploring different ways of observing and interpreting the world around us. Participants will experiment with drawing, writing and watercolour techniques before transforming their ideas into a unique self-published zine. There is no need to be daunted by this as no previous experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

The Library’s Digital Scholarship team will showcase cutting-edge technology through Hands-on 3D Scanning: From Scan to 3D Print. Participants will have the opportunity to discover how objects can be captured as high-resolution 3D models and prepared for 3D printing, demonstrating how digital technologies can help us preserve, study and share physical artefacts in new ways.

Together, these activities demonstrate how libraries contribute to research, learning and public engagement through art, archives, creative practice and digital innovation. Developed through collaboration between Archives & Special Collections, Digital Scholarship, Academic Engagement and Winchester School of Art, alongside students, researchers and academic partners from across the University, the programme showcases a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Hartley Library throughout the festival.

The activities happening at the Library are part of the additional ‘Satellite’ activities led by colleagues and partners in Southampton alongside the British Science Festival, please visit the British Science Festival Satellite page to find out more. 

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